Waterfowl, Upland Game and Turkey Hunts Offered in Merced and Yolo Counties

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in cooperation with the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program will conduct turkey, waterfowl and upland game hunts between Oct. 19 and Dec. 29, 2013.

For the first time, Bobcat Ranch will be available for turkey hunting. Located in Yolo County’s Vaca Mountain foothills just west of Winters, hunters will have access to approximately 4,000 acres of the ranch’s rolling blue oak woodland. A total of 25 SHARE access permits will be available through a random drawing for five general method, two-day hunts.

Also new to the SHARE program is Merced’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Wetlands. The property is located five miles south of the city of Merced and offers 300 acres for hunting. Tucked between sloughs and agricultural fields, the seasonal wetlands and year-round pond provides cover and forage for pheasants, dove and waterfowl. Over 350 SHARE access permits will be issued in total for 42 one-day hunt periods.

Hunters with a valid California hunting license may apply through the Automated License Data System (ALDS). A $10.25 non-refundable application fee will be charged for each hunt choice. Successful applicants for each property will be allowed to bring a hunting partner or a non-hunting partner. To apply for these hunts please go to: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/.

This opportunity was made possible by the SHARE Program, which offers incentives to private landowners who allow wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on their property. Participating landowners receive liability protection and compensation for providing public access to or through their land for wildlife-dependent recreational activities. The goal of the SHARE Program is to provide additional hunting, fishing, and other recreational access on private lands in California. For more information about SHARE opportunities please go to: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/share/.